| Author | Message | ||
| blueroommusic
New Username: blueroommusic Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2005 |
 Thanks for any help whatsoever. | ||
| 57basstra
Senior Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 663 Registered: 4-2005 |
Value is subjective – what's it worth to you? Whatever you paid and or traded/did/promised and then some I will wager.It looks like a really nice one. If you want a monetary value it would help to have a serial number and more pics, backside, headstock, neck and a description which includes any small imperfections, if any. Do pickups electronics work well, does it have a case; what kind of case, etc. Any history? I am going to say it's worth between $3,000 and $4,200 give or take a coupla hundred. If you want to sell it, price it around 3K and see what happens. if you want top dollar you will likely wait a while unless it is EXACTLy what someone is looking for, I think. Someone else may chime in and give you a more precise estimate. Very nice! Welcome to the board. drr | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Intermediate Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 159 Registered: 10-2006 |
An '81 Distillate with standard body just sold on e-bay for $2300. Whether the Scorpion body would raise or lower the value would, of course, depend on the buyer. Peter | ||
| bigbadbill
Advanced Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 338 Registered: 10-2003 |
That's cool! Can't be many of those I wouldn't have thought. I really like the look of Distillates generally though. What is the balance like on a typical Distillate? | ||
| stoney
Senior Member Username: stoney Post Number: 450 Registered: 7-2002 |
Really nice bass, what's the headstock? | ||
| blueroommusic
New Username: blueroommusic Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2005 |
I'll test the waters, I guess... Here's a link for the fleabay auction I just listed. I would kill the auction for a member or trades? The listing has a ton of cool pics. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=330136806445&rd=1&rd=1 | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1634 Registered: 3-2004 |
The prices you guys are quoting are pretty high relative to the value of the bass as a player and with the electronics package. That kind of money should buy you a newish Signature bass or a or a 20 year old Series instrument. The Distillate isn't much more than a Spoiler with purpleheart in the neck and quick tone switches. For these things to sell more than $300-500 above the cost of a Spoiler makes little sense to me. With regard to this bass, the unusual body style and condition could give it more value. The rarity also would make it a collectible piece as there are few Scorpion bodies out there and maybe a handful of them would be Distillates. If I were to value the bass, it would be at around $1800 for average condition up to maybe $2300 for mint condition. This would modify upward for the body style by maybe a few hundred to put it into the $2200-2600 overall range, but $4000? You can get a lot more bass than this for $4000. Heck, I couldn't get $2000 for the '82 Spoiler I just sold with Signature electronics. Same vintage and a more expensive/valuable electronics package. If I had $4000 to spend on an eBay bass today, it would either be 76-286 or the $2900 cocobolo Essence. The latter would leave me $1000 to send it to Alembic for an electronics upgrade if I wanted one. I'm not saying this isn't a great bass, just that I think the price is out of line. If it sells at this kind of price, it will be on the body style more than anything else. I have always said that the best ROI option you can add to an Alembic is an unusual body style. Exploiters have always sold for a premium over regular Spoilers higher than the cost of the body option. The Scorpion shape may do the same, but $1500 above the cost of a "regular" Distillate? | ||
| blueroommusic
New Username: blueroommusic Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2005 |
As I said before, I'm just testing the waters and that's why the auction is being offered as a "best offer" type auction listing. I think it's a super cool bass. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2458 Registered: 7-2004 |
Bob: "ROI"? Really Organically Important? Relying On Internet? Red Orange Indigo? Rare Or Intriguing? Reasonably Offensive Incarceration? Ridiculous Original Insurance? Research Only Indians? Radical Ombudsman Invesitgations? ?????????????????????????????????? Bill, tgo | ||
| kenbass4
Advanced Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 255 Registered: 10-2003 |
"Return On Investment" ...man...you'd think a lawyer would know that :-) Ken | ||
| bigbadbill
Advanced Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 340 Registered: 10-2003 |
It kind of looks like someone saw JPJs Triple O and Greg Lake's Scorpion and married them together in a more affordable 4 string version....I like it. In fact, if I hadn't already put my name on something else, I may have been making an offer, although I agree the current price is maybe a little steep, judging by the Buckeye Triple O 5 which recently sold on here for not much more. What's the weight like, just out of interest? | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1635 Registered: 3-2004 |
Not to derail the thread, but my point was simply that a couple years ago you could add the exploiter body shape to a bass for about $400 list. Not sure what that option goes for today. 80's Spoilers made in the Exploiter shape were selling for $1500-2500 when standard Spoilers were doing $900-1200. That's a resale value increase larger than the cost to add that option to a new instrument. As far as I can tell, there's no other option you can add to your custom Alembic that will give you 100% or more of the upgrade cost back on resale. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2459 Registered: 7-2004 |
Ken: I ain't the kind of lawyer who knows all the financial stuff. Now if you start talking "420", "THC", "CBD", "GCMS", that I'll understand. Bill, tgo | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1568 Registered: 4-2004 |
there goes mr bob rain on your parade see again.... bill its 4.20 somewhere! 15 minutes!! in oakland i have 4 tix for mets-a;s friday night cmon out! | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 689 Registered: 12-2004 |
Running On Interminably? Rubbery Orange Inveiglement? | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 791 Registered: 6-2002 |
Radishes Outgrow Indignation? Rude Oval Instruments? | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1636 Registered: 3-2004 |
You know, Jeff, for every time someone makes a windfall by selling a great $2000 bass for $4000, someone else overpays by that same $2000. What you look at as "rain on your parade", I look at as an opinion seeking honest value and equity. Do you have an opinion of the value of the instrument, or are you just checking in for harassment purposes? This is a unique instrument and that makes it very hard to slap a value on it. Since Craig says he just bought it, I wonder what he paid for it? | ||
| 57basstra
Senior Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 666 Registered: 4-2005 |
I will be the first to admit I am still learning about Alembics. I posted the first response (primarily because I don't like to see anyone hanging out there all alone). I did not know it was a Distillate. I thought it was a custom job of some kind and it may be for all I know. Perhaps $3,000 is way too high and it looks like $4,200 give a coupla hundred is ridiculous. I've been checking eBay for Alembics about every day or two every since I became a registered Alembic Club member and I can't say I have seen but one (that I can remember) with the Scorpion body. | ||
| 57basstra
Senior Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 667 Registered: 4-2005 |
Wow...let me post another one quick. (I just looked at the number of my post above!! Yikes..) | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 691 Registered: 12-2004 |
CBD? Cecil B. DeMille Central business district Christian Book Distributors Common bile duct Convention on Biological Diversity Companhia Brasileira de Distribuição (doing business as Grupo Pão de Açúcar) Component-based development in software engineering Customer and Deposit System Development CBD Media, the directory publishing and advertising division of Cincinnati Bell Community Based Distribution GCMS? Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, an advanced piece of chemical analytical equipment typically used to characterize complex organic mixtures. Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley School District, a K-12 public school based in Gibson City, Illinois. Gosforth Central Middle School in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Greater China Media Services Limited, a division of the Hong Kong based media group Global China Group Holdings Limited All these TLAs and FLAs have me confused. Bradley | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1572 Registered: 4-2004 |
if you check the sn thread bob you will find that the bass has a back lam which i highly unusual for the model therefore increasing the value. the scorpion tailcut. the wood......... its unique all you seem to do bob is impart your own "genius" on everything and for the most part its negative....... is this worth 3200? yeah i think it's damn close and the bid is listed with a best offer | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1638 Registered: 3-2004 |
Jeff, feel free to disagree with my opinions all you want but take your personal attacks and shove them. I saw no link to a serial number thread mentioned here, only a picture of a custom Distillate and some comments about pricing. Sure, a back laminate costs something at build time and adds some to the value. The first value suggestion on this bass was $3000-$4200. Would you pay $4200 for it? Personally, I wouldn't. If someone new came to this site with $4000 looking for their first Alembic, this bass wouldn't leap to the front of the list. That doesn't mean this one is broken, sucks, or otherwise worthless. It's not negative to call a duck a duck. | ||
| blueroommusic
New Username: blueroommusic Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2005 |
WOW! This is a forum right? You guys need to leave your personal feelings at the door. We're a bunch of gear nuts trying to help each other out.. That's all! It's not a bashing party! I appreciate all of the input and comments but, let's keep it friendly please! BY THE WAY, THIS BASS DOESN'T SUCK! LOL! Make me an offer if it works for you. Peace | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2461 Registered: 7-2004 |
Bradley: CBD = Cannabidiol, a non-psycho-active chemical found in cannabis that has medicinal qualities, especially in combination with THC. GCMS = you got it right on your first guess. It is often used to confirm a positive on an EMIT test. Jeff & Bob: maybe a little THC??? hehehehe Bill, tgowipuhft!!!! (the guitar one who is picking up his Further tonight!!!!) | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1510 Registered: 6-2002 |
@ blueroommusic ... This is indeed a forum. And a very friendly one at that (most of the time) where even the most outspoken members are usually very civil. Never mind the cannabis detour - it's all in good spirit. Once you start asking about value, you do get some strong opinions here. But you also appear to be a commercial seller, which adds an interesting twist to your claim "We're a bunch of gear nuts trying to help each other out." | ||
| blueroommusic
New Username: blueroommusic Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2005 |
You're right it does appear for the most part very friendly indeed. It's just when remarks are aimed at a specific member, that's not too cool IMO. The Cannabis detour doesn't bother me whatsoever :>) I've put a lot of great instruments, in to the hands, of a lot of great peeps.. | ||
| jbybj
Member Username: jbybj Post Number: 82 Registered: 6-2006 |
"peeps" ?!?! I have been quietly observing til now, I can't stay quiet any longer. I won't stand for this kind of language in this forum, I may have to resign. This pervasive young person speak will be the downfall of the great American way of life. "peeps" indeed. My goodness........... I bet Mr. Blueroom also wears his pants waist below his buttocks!!! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2462 Registered: 7-2004 |
Far out observation James. Really groovy. Very cool. A true freak's response, not the words of some lame collegiate. And remember, don't trust anyone under 30. And visible butt cracks are not healthy for children and other living things. Power to the people. Feeling better now? (nyuk, nyuk) Bill, tgo | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 693 Registered: 12-2004 |
peeps? Like the marshmallow birds? Bradley | ||
| blueroommusic
Junior Username: blueroommusic Post Number: 11 Registered: 11-2005 |
You guys are fun indeed. LOL! DOB 10/4/61 | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5133 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi guys; I'm jumping in here real quick. I'm working, and my assistant is here with me and we're trying to get some stuff done. But I just got an email from a member who thought things here in this thread might be heating up a bit and who requested that I take a look. So, I haven't had a chance to read through all the posts carefully, and I need to get back to work; so I hope I'm not out of line by just saying: Please keep the conversation civil. Please treat each other with respect. You guys are all great club members, and I and others respect and value your opinions. I hope I haven't upset anybody with this post. I'm just trying to jump in and allay any negative energy. I'll check back in later this evening. Thanks! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5134 Registered: 5-2002 |
Bill; congrats!!! And, if you will, say hello to Mica and Susan for me. Craig; Adriaan does have a point. We're kinda in a gray area here. If a dealer were to register on the site for the sole purpose of listing an instrument for sale, I would delete the post since this is not a commercial board. But that's not the fact pattern here, and I did not delete the initial post when I saw it, although I did think it was leaning into the gray area. There are a lot of members that are in the music business or are in some other commercial retail business. There are some that have businesses selling musical instruments and there are a few members that are Alembic dealers. I just don't think it would be a good idea for these members to post instruments for sale on the board. The exception would be when such a member is selling their personal instrument. We don't have a hard and fast rule, and there is a lot of gray area; but the general rule is that this section is for members selling their personal instruments. As I said before, this thread was brought to my attention by a fellow member who was concerned that the tenor of the thread was getting a bit over heated. It appears to me that the situation quickly diffused itself. However, I'm going to take this opportunity to make a few comments anyway, whether or not they are warranted, and at the risk of appearing to make more of the situation than I should. No disrespect is intended. Jeff and Bob (and anybody else reading this thread); Bill has a point. If you don't mind and if you have a few minutes, please reread the posting guidelines. Or not, it's just a suggestion. But in my subjective opinion, the guidelines do have some helpful reminders of things that we can lose sight of in our busy daily lives. We all get bombarded by negative karma every day from work, from the news, from our families, from traffic, etc. And it's very easy to pass along this negative karma. But it can also be easy to take a moment and breath. We don't have to pass along the negative karma. We don't have to react negatively. And we don't have to beat ourselves up. This is a pretty nice planet we happen to be on, and there is no time, no moment in time, other than the present, this very moment. We all suffer, and there are times when we suffer greatly; but, there being no other moment than the present moment, if we were going to choose a time when we could open our hearts and simply enjoy being on earth, and being with each other, and helping each other, and accepting each other, and respecting each other, now would be a good moment to do so. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5135 Registered: 5-2002 |
Craig; I just reread my post and I think it was a bit negative. I guess my intention was only to point out, as discussed, that the nature of your post was unclear. But as you are a member of our board, I certainly don't want to dissuade your participation in the forum. | ||
| 57basstra
Senior Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 669 Registered: 4-2005 |
Well said, well written, Dave. Thanks. drr | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1575 Registered: 4-2004 |
BASS WAS SOLD FOR 3000 | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1220 Registered: 10-2002 |
No need to shout Jeff ;-) graeme | ||
| bigbadbill
Advanced Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 342 Registered: 10-2003 |
Dave, you make me feel like "Grasshopper", and I mean that in the nicest possible way. More power to you!  |
